The Facility Perspective: What Goes Into Running an Equine Event Venue

Learn how the League supports the industry through education, networking, and problem solving. There’s more to facility management than most people realize.

Episode 9: Cammie Pearson & Joe La Follette join the Cowboys to talk about the complexities of running an equine event facility.

From horse sh….um, manure to staffing to biosecurity. We learn how the League supports the industry through education, networking, and problem solving.

The League of Agricultural and Equine Centers promotes and supports facility management, draws people together, and offers a network of experts that brings awareness of best practices, new developments, and looks to the horizon to prepare for the future. 

Meet the Experts:

The League creates a family network feel to a competitive sector of the equine industry with the ultimate goal of unifying event venues in a way that leads to greater consistency in customer service and procedures across the nation. As the shutdowns from Covid proved, working together makes everyone better and aids the entire equine community by sharing knowledge rather than hoarding it. Their annual symposium will be hosted February 6-10, 2023 in Ocala, FL.

Challenges facing the industry (and how to meet them): 

  • Shrinking agricultural lands reduces opportunity for youth to participate in 4-H & FFA projects. (Break down barriers with programs like the 4-H Horseless Horse Project, contact your local 4-H club to find out more.)
  • Adapting to increased specificity of demand from diverse sectors. (The horse industry may be more resilient than others.)
  • Labor shortages (Engage the university system to better promote and create paths for careers in facility management.)
  • Manure management (We learn the term “entremanure”)

Groundbreaking News:

“The footing you can’t see is what gives the horse its confidence.” Bob Kiser 

Education:

Certified Managers of Equine Centers (CMEC) supports education in three core areas:

  • Business Management
  • Center Operations
  • Event Management

Attaining a CMEC certification requires an average of 4 years to complete the 45 credit hours required. After acquiring the credits, a written essay on an assigned topic is presented to the education committee followed by an interview before graduating. Recertification is required every 3 years. There are currently 28 people certified. 

Biosecurity (a.k.a. Why Jody stopped carrying his own sprayer and disinfectant to shows)

  • Awareness
  • Standard practices
  • Current biosecurity technology
  • Health certificates
  • Staff education
  • Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC)
  • Developing a plan for venues serving as emergency evacuation facilities

Why all horse owners, trainers, and exhibitors should be on the EDCC email list:

  • Receive notifications of outbreaks across the nation, 
  • Know what is happening where you are going when traveling across the country
  • Be prepared for what may be brought into your area
  • Stay ahead of the curve to help limit the spread. 

Cowboy Office

Resources

The League of Agricultural & Equine Centers: http://www.laec.info/ 

Annual Symposium & Footing Academies: https://laec.info/Symposium 

Equine Disease Communication Center: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

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